Records that I am super happy to have bought this 2018

Records that I am super happy to have bought this 2018

by rick olivares

I bought quite a few records this 2018; okay, a lot. However, towards the end of the year, my purchases slackened because I got almost all the records I wanted.

As a refresher, I started buying records when I was Grade 5, saving up on my allowance to buy music that I liked. By the time I was done with my schooling, I amassed about 2,000 records. Not all of that I bought, of course. I received a lot of promo copies from my father who was president of the Philippine Association of the Record Industry. My rich best friend also gave me a bunch of records as well. 

By the 90s, I switched to compact discs and bought very few records. 

Then in 2015, when a fire gutted my childhood home, I lost almost all my records with some others were lost during Ondoy. I only returned to vinyl full time in December of 2016 (I did buy a few intermittently through the years). 

When I returned to vinyl, I didn’t get all that I lost. I had accumulated a lot of CDs since the 90s and I only got back on vinyl the records I truly liked as a kid then began purchasing new output from new artists.

So, this year, I got a lot but here are a few records that I totally liked and here they are in no particular order.

A Kiss in the Dreamhouse - Siouxsie and the Banshees

The Banshees frightened me. Well, anything of the macabre. My young Catholic self was frightened by these things. I discovered the Banshees at the time when my childhood faves Kiss was said to really mean Knights in Satan’s Service while people backmasked Led Zeppelin. The Goth look of Siouxsie mystified and appealed to me that when I moved to the US, I would attend Goth festivals. 

A Kiss In the Dreamhouse was my first ever Banshees record and I have fond memories of it. The album chilled and haunted me. But I was held in its thrall. Honestly, I cannot remember what happened to my record of this. I do not know if it was burned during the fire or if my mom threw it out. I did buy the CD when I was working in Hong Kong. 

This year, I managed to get back the vinyl and reacquainted myself with the album that vexed me in my youth. And today as it first did, I find myself lost in the album. 

And as a side note, the album contains the song, “Slowdive.” Yes, you guessed it right. Shoegazer band Slowdive got their name from the Banshees song. And I so love Slowdive which is in my Top 10 fave bands of all time so this Banshees album has even greater meaning for me.

Dakila 

Dakila, the Filipino-American band came out in the wake of Santana’s breakout Woodstock performance in the early 1970s. Like their heroes, Santana, they too hailed from the Bay Area. I never got their record as a kid. They remained in and out of my consciousness until I returned to vinyl and finally managed to get two copies of their record as well as seven-inch singles. And I truly love listening to the record. You may say there were copycats, but I remain a fan and am proud of them.

Tale of Two – Identity Crisis

I saw this band quite a few times during their 1980s heyday – at Ultra and at the Araneta Coliseum. I never got their record. I only had the cassette. It sure was great that we had a New Wave band like Identity Crisis back then along with the Dawn. 

I loved the songs “Sumigaw Umawit Ka” and “Imagining October” and wore out my cassette that eventually stopped playing. Meeting three of their members and interviewing them for a story was a thrill. And so was finally getting a copy of this record.

All the Moonstompers – Rancid

I discovered Rancid through the pages of rock and roll magazine Spin back when I was working in Hong Kong. During my lunch breaks, especially on Wednesdays, I would go to the record stores in the neighborhood – HMV along Haiphong Road and the one at the basement of the Silvercord Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui – to check out the new stocks. 

I saw the latest issue of Spin that had Rancid on the cover. I purchased that magazine -- that I still have to this day I must say – and read it over lunch. I went back to the shop by work day’s end and bought the compact disc. Then I bought the vinyl soon after. 

That began a long love affair with the band that like Slowdive is on my Top 10 fave bands of all time. I love that they can switch to punk to hardcore punk to the ska-inflected punk that the Clash popularized. I have all their albums on both vinyl and cd. All except this compilation of their ska recordings. 

I tried getting All the Moonstompers for years, but had no such luck. Until this year. And I so love this record. I have maintained that my fave Rancid albums are And Out Come the Wolves and Life Won’t Wait. All the Moonstompers may be a compilation, but that doesn’t change anything. I love it to pieces.

Incubus Succubus – Xmal Deutschland

I remember hearing “Incubus Succubus” over Capital Radio and I was reminded of the time that I heard Siouxsie and the Banshees for the first time. I didn’t care if I didn’t understand a word as the band sang in their native German, I loved it just the same. I wasn’t able to get the record of this song right away.

I did get their debut album, Fetisch, that cost me money as a young kid. Man, I saved a lot of money for that. And I was disappointed that Fetisch didn’t contain “Incubus Succubus”. I managed to get the record while on a trip to Hong Kong. 

Getting back all those XMal Deutschland records were a priority after losing them to the fire. It wasn’t easy picking them up, but this year, I managed to complete them with “Incubus Succubus” that last to arrive. 

 Quiet Nights – Diana Krall

A beautiful album. I have always been a fan of the talented Ms. Krall and got her first few albums on CD. Then one vinyl, I picked up The Look of Love. Quiet Nights was my second Krall album on vinyl and what a keeper it is. 

How much do I love this record? Well, it stands right next to my Gershwin Songbook, the Stan Getz/ Joao Gilberto album, Miles’ Kind of Blue, and Coltrane’s A Love Supreme.

Love Is Here to Stay – Diana Krall and Tony Bennett

An album that celebrates Gershwin! How about that! And the timeless Tony Bennett who I never get tired of listening to. 

Growing up, my dad would play music by the Rat Pack. And we watched them on television. It took the music of Prefab Sprout to make me really backtrack and listen once more to not only the Rat Pack but also Bennett. And perhaps more importantly, Gershwin. 

From Gershwin, I got into Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. And that led me to Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Count Basie, and many others. 

And that leads me to this album. 

Probot - Probot

I remember when the adverts came out promoting Probot in January of 2004. It was Dave Grohl’s death metal project. These were the years when I was into all the sub-genres of metal – Nu metal, alternative metal, rap metal, industrial metal, and prog metal. Like the Banshees of my youth, death metal scared the shit out of me. I had cds of Arch Enemy, but that was it. 

Then came Probot. I got this because of Dave Grohl. And it became my entry point into death and extreme metal as I checked out Venom, Celtic Frost, Nile, and At the Gates. I am not saying that I am a massive death and extreme metal fan. I think the term is “selective” as I pick and choose because the genre really isn’t for me. 

I still have the cd and getting the original vinyl pressing is pricey. So, the re-issue isn’t so bad. Then as now, I play this record lots.

Keb Darge & Paul Weller present Lost & Found: Rare RNB & Soul

My entry point into Northern Soul was the Style Council, but I only seriously got into Northern Soul around the time of the acid jazz craze of the late 1990s and early years of the new millennium. I don’t have many Northern Soul records. Just a few. So, getting this record -- of selections that are difficult to find -- by Darge and Weller is just a fun find. And yes, this is on heavy rotation on my turntable.

Room for Squares – John Mayer

When this came out, I liked the record immediately and got it. But when I went back home, I left it (thinking I’d return). Turns out my roomie appropriated it for himself (with my eventual reluctant permission as he doesn’t know how to properly take care of records). Getting an original first press was cool because this is an awesome record from start to finish.

And it means a whole lot more because my nephew has John Mayer’s guitar teacher (Tomo Fujita) at Berklee School of Music in Massachusetts. 

Count Kutu and the Balmers – Count Kutu and the Balmers

When I learned that a Filipino mento/calypso band had a 10-inch record released in the US, I knew I had to get this. For one, I don’t know too many mento/calypso bands in the country. And they had their self-titled debut released in 2012 by North Carolina label Jump Up! Records.

There weren’t too many copies of this that were pressed. And I am just happy to get this.

Legarda/The Saddest Landscape split 7-inch single

Only 50 copies of this split single featuring Philippine post-rock band Legarda and Boston emo rockers The Saddest Landscape were pressed. Of those 50 copies, eight people in the Philippines own copies – four for the band members, three from the local promotion outfit that organized the show, and me. And I got the last copy. 

You won’t even find this on sale at Discogs (at least for now).

Rarity aside, I love the songs here -- "Lazarus" by Legarda and "The Sixth Golden Ticket" by The Saddest Landscape.

Love at Absolute Zero

Love at Absolute Zero and The Happiest Days of Our Lives – My Favorite

During the Alternative Music 90s, I began to get more adventurous musically. I discovered little known bands such as Morella’s Forest, Holiday Flyer, Julie Plug, the Legendary Jim Ruiz Group, the Aislers Set, Holiday, Belle and Sebastian (which eventually became popular), and Havalina Rail Co. to name a few. Then I discovered My Favorite by picking out the cd on the indie rack. 

Buying from the indie rack is a hit and miss proposition. Not everything you will like. But you could discover some real gems. New York retro New Wave band My Favorite was one of them. I got their cd, Love at Absolute Zero, and became an instant fan. It helped that their bassist was a Fil-American by the name of Gilbert Abad. 

I corresponded with the band and became friends with the lead singer Michael Grace who in my opinion is an underrated songwriter (an indie version of Morrissey who also writes pained songs that are awesome). Then moving to New York, I not only got to watch the band, but also get their autographs. I also bought their new album then (The Happiest Days of Our Lives) straight from them during a gig.

It was only this year that I was able to get their vinyl records along with a new seven-inch single of new tunes. The re-release of Love at Absolute Zero has some different tracks that they added from an EP while excluding some original tracks. I am fine with this but have targeted to get the original press of the album.

But I am happy to have these records.

The Happiest Days of Our Lives

Rancid's Let's Go 10-inch first press white vinyl

Massive Rancid fan! Got into them at the time And Out Come the Wolves was released and I was blown away. I got all their cds and re-issued vinyl. With regards to original press vinyl, I have the self-titled debut, Let's Go, And Out Come the Wolves, Life Won't Wait, and Trouble Maker. 

That Rico J. Puno US Tour poster from 1978

My dad and uncles brought Rico J. Puno to the United States in 1978 for a tour. It was the first tour of the US by a major Filipino artist.

My Uncle Benjie saved copies of the poster-- that's in great shape -- and he gave me a copy.

The Best OPM Indie/Underground Albums of 2018

The Best OPM Indie/Underground Albums of 2018

by rick olivares

You have to love the love and appreciate the independent and underground music scene. Bands and artists continue to put out product on a variety of formats – streaming and downloads, vinyl, cassette, and compact disc. And it isn’t only here in the Philippines, but also abroad.

We have compiled 20 of what we believe to be are the best releases of 2018. They are listed in no particular order. 

Realistick – Stick Figgas (compact disc) With a full band (made up of stalwarts from different crews who perform diverse styles of music) and the added voice of Kat Agarrado, this feels like when the late Francis Magalona partnered with Hardware Syndrome to produce Freeman. The full band allows for a richer and fuller sound with an edge. And Kat adds a lot of soul to the songs. 

As such, Realistick is lightning in a bottle filled with memorable tunes, tight grooves, and sick rhymes. 

Terror Prone Nation – Material Support (cassette) 

Angry punk rock from this Fil-American band out of San Francisco. They make no bones about their politics and while I may not agree with all their views, I still say it is one helluva an album. 

It is punk rock but the slick production and deft musicianship makes it easier to listen to appreciate their music and message.

It is said during times of political upheaval, bands tend to write great songs (protest or otherwise). If you go for the latter, Material Support have made their case. 

Stomachine (streaming/downloads)

The self-titled debut of a band that makes no apologies for their love of Fil-American band, +/- (or Plus Minus as they are known by). They aren’t mere copycats as they put their own stamp with winsome harmonies and the occasional deft instrumental. A buoyant album. Now, if they only came out with this on proper compact disc or vinyl…

Why Must Everything Involve Politics – Betrayed (compact disc)

The first two albums of Betrayed had a marked hardcore influence. In fact, three decades later, there – I can still hear traces of the Damned, GHB, even Rancid --- but the band doesn’t forsake any melody for a mindless sonic assault. Although the band isn’t particularly overt with their song messages, they remain pointed and ask you to make your own conclusions. 

They may not be as fiery as before but boy do they still rage.

All My Friends – Tide/Edit (compact disc)

An album that sparkles in the rain. A spontaneous combustion of joy, flights of fancy, and raw emotion. Play this on a long drive with the wind in your face and hair. You’ll feel glad to be alive.

No Palabras – Reyerta (cassette)

A brutally short album. Forget lyrical poignancy. This type of extreme music (power violence) eschews that. "No Palabras" features eight angry songs that question and declare one’s independence of the world that suffocates them into indifference and silence.

The blistering pace aside, this Spanish-Filipino (two are Spaniards – the singer and the drummer – while the guitarist and bassist are Filipinos) band deliver a more powerful and focused album versus their self-titled debut. Savor this because we aren’t sure when they’ll get around to recording again (as I am told their Spanish contingent has returned to the Iberian Peninsula). 

Residuals – Tiger Pussy (compact disc)

The debut from this Cebu-based quarter has this urgent feel to it; sexual tension even. What makes Tiger Pussy standout in a sea of similar female-fronted agro bands is lead singer Jan Sunday’s vocal delivery. There is even an artistry. Even the music doesn’t punish you, but infects you to bop and pogo.

Disconnected – The Republicats (compact disc)

Sing-song punk rock ala the Interrupters and Rancid. The Republicats know how to have fun while not losing the angsty part of punk. A totally rollicking debut. 

Full Flood – Apartel (streaming, 12-inch vinyl)

No sophomore slump for this soul funk band. Full Flood finds Apartel discovering their inner groove; adding a disco beat for an album that reminds one of the best of the Manila Sound of the 1970s albeit with a modern touch. A masterpiece from start to finish.

Tim Awa (cassette, compact disc)

In the male-dominated post-rock scene, Tim Awa – aka by the exotically named Zehpra Theodosha Lagos – released a sparkling EP. The difference is Tim Äwä’s ethereal and siren-like vocals add a feathery and haunting touch to the stirring music. Think of Clare Torry on Pink Floyd’s classic, “The Great Gig in the Sky.” Except it isn’t the wailing sort but more ethereal; a toned-down Elisabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins if you will. 

Timelapse – Sandwich (7-inch vinyl)

These alt-rockers have come a long way from their Beastie Boy and Foo Fighters roots. “Timelapse,” released during the band’s 20^thanniversary show, finds the band performing what is surely another classic (about a long distance love affair and the yearning that comes with it) wrapped in a post-rock/shoegaze vibe. 

Then in the B-Side, the band shows they’ve not lost their sense of humor with the song, “Parang Wala Nangyari.” 

In one single, the band echoes the past (“Parang Wala Nangyari”) and teases the future (Timelapse”). Brilliant. Plus, it is on lime green vinyl!

Lazarus – Legarda (split vinyl 7-inch single with Boston Band The Saddest Landscape)

When I first heard “Lazarus” from post-rock band Legarda, I thought of the Patti Smith Group which I am a huge fan since I first heard a kid. And I love the spoken word song “Lazarus” that builds to a mighty crescendo. This version was recorded live at Mow’s when Legarda opened for Boston-based band, The Saddest Landscape who spare nothing on the emotional front. 

The result is a split single of epic proportions. And what adds to its myth is only 50 copies were pressed! Making it a sought after record.

Pilipinas Hardcore (7-inch vinyl)

A heavyweight EP of four of the best underground hardcore bands right now. And it’s the first time on vinyl for Barred, Badmouth, and XFortressX (as Veils has previously appeared in their own EP). You know the expression, “walang tapon”? This is it. And if this is your entry into Filipino hardcore then what a way to get exposed. An EP to pound you into submission. 

And just how well was this received? According to Veils’ vocalist and underground record label Still Ill impresario Dangie Regala, there will be a Pilipinas Hardcore 2 coming our way next year! 

Phantasms – The Strange Creatures (compact disc, 12-inch vinyl)

A sterling debut of sumptuous dream pop. They sometimes stray from the formula, but overall a very good and ethereal offering. 

Viletin – The Ringmaster (compact disc)

A shimmering second solo outing from the Sleepwalk Circus’ main man that is also a feast for the eyes with the lovely art work in the booklet that comes with the album. You must put everything aside to take in the dense layers of deep prose and intricate and lush music. What sets the Ringmaster’s brand of dream pop apart from its peers is if others take you to different sonic landscapes and flights of fancy, with Lorenzo, it’s like providing music to Antoine de Saint-Exupery, Neil Gaiman, and Peter S. Beagle to name but a few.

Day-Blind Stars – Narcloudia (compact disc)

After their spellbinding debut EP, Sky Spectre, the three-piece female dream pop band, Narcloudia returns – I hate to use the term “mature” but it is – with a full-length album, Day-Blind Stars that is infused with a mélange of punk energy and the exoticism of the Cocteau Twins and Lush that builds on the band’s earlier Siouxsie and the Banshees influence. 

Reach for the stars with Narcloudia.

Hanopology – Mike Hanopol (compact disc)

Mike Hanopol is best known for his solo work as is his music with the Juan Dela Cruz Band and Hagibis. While his old songs – classics, please – may sound dated, even to the point of being sappy and overly simple – his newer works, still wrought with classic rock in mind, show a depth to the man. 

Like There Is No Tomorrow – Dok Sergio

One of the surprise releases of the year. Dok Sergio – who used to be with Pupil and is now with Prank Sinatra – has crafted a brilliant solo effort where he plays almost all the instruments. The result is an indie gem!

Playing Rage Against the Machine's Live & Rare

I don't agree with all their politics, but I like Rage Against the Machine's music.

Do you remember Teresa Carpio?

If you were listening to 99.5 RT in the late 1970s and early 80s, you’d know Teresa Carpio. Her father is Filipino while her mother is a Chinese citizen from Hong Kong. RT used to play her jazzy version of England Dan and John Ford Coley’s “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight.” And believe it or not, she’s still actively performing to this day.

Philippine underground music on vinyl -- Pathogen & Eskapo and Istukas Over Disneyland

Remembering John Lennon on his 38th death anniversary

Thirty-eight years ago today, John Lennon was shot and killed outside his New York apartment (in the other photo that is me a few feet away from the spot where he was shot in the driveway). The newspaper is a prized memento saved from that fateful day in 1980.

Eraserheads’ Ultraelectromagneticpop out on vinyl in early 2019

Eraserheads’ Ultraelectromagneticpop out on vinyl in early 2019

by rick olivares

After long being out of print, the Eraserheads’ debut album, Ultraelectromagneticpop, will be re-released and re-mastered on vinyl and is due for an early 2019 release.

The re-release of one of the biggest selling OPM albums ever is a collaboration between Sony Music Philippines and Offshore Music.

The original analogue masters were discovered in Sony’s vault and brought to the United States for re-mastering by Bernie Grundman who has worked on popular albums such as Steely Dan’s Aja, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, and Prince’s Dirty Mind to name but a very few. He recently worked on Filipino soul-funk band Apartel’s second album, Full Flood.

Sony bought out German company Bertelsmann out Sony-BMG in 2008, four years after their joint-venture. Thus, the Japanese company, the local office in particular, acquired the local BMG’s assets and properties.

Ultraelectromagneticpop was recently released online as part of the album’s ongoing 25^th anniversary release (by BMG Pilipinas back in 1993). According to sources, the Eraserheads planned on re-recording the entire album but the band eventually decided not to pursue it. Instead, the album is now once more available online and will be on vinyl.

Word is the album will fetch for at least Php 2,000 as it will be released as a single LP.

According to our sources, the re-release of the Eraserheads’ catalogue on vinyl is confined to their debut album for now.